The NBA season is on the horizon, and the anticipation is palpable as fans and analysts gear up for another thrilling year. Among the most closely watched players are veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, whose prowess on the court continues to captivate basketball enthusiasts.
LeBron James: Defying Age
At 39 years old, LeBron James remains a formidable force in the NBA. Recently, he made headlines by becoming the oldest player to win an MVP award in a competition featuring active NBA players. LeBron also earned the most valuable player title at the 2024 Olympics and clinched the MVP award in the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament. Despite his advancing age, James continues to inspire fear in opponents.
As Sam Quinn aptly put it, "Sure, it's unreasonable to expect the impending quadragenarian to be the NBA's best player over the course of an 82-game season anymore, but make no mistake, in a smaller sample, there still might not be a single player in all of basketball that inspires more fear in his opponents than LeBron James."
Durant and Curry: Elite Performers
Kevin Durant, at 35, remains a dominant presence on the court, ranking 9th in the Top 100. Durant's performance last season, averaging 27-6-5 on 41% from beyond the arc, shows he is still at the height of his powers. He played 75 games and was the best isolation scorer in basketball.
Brad Botkin praised Durant's abilities, noting, "Durant remains pretty close to the height of his powers. Last season he averaged 27-6-5 on 41% 3-point shooting... Durant was the best isolation scorer in basketball last season."
Stephen Curry, 36, continues to be a game-changer. Ranked 6th in the Top 100, Curry's offense remains as sharp as ever. Botkin highlighted Curry's unique skill set, saying, "Curry is still an offense unto himself with his inimitable movement and pure shot-making talent. At 36 years old, it's hard to see where he's declined at all offensively."
The Enigmatic Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler, aged 35, is another player whose impact cannot be understated. Ranked 22 in the Top 100, Butler's presence on the floor is a game-changer for the Miami Heat, who outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions when he played last season. Butler is known for pacing himself during the regular season to deliver superstar performances in the playoffs.
Brad Botkin captured Butler's essence, stating, "Butler is what he is: A great player who paces himself in the regular season in order to produce superstar postseason stretches... The question is: Are the Heat still good enough to give Butler the opportunity to shift into his playoff gear?"
Harden's New Chapter with the Clippers
James Harden, now 35, has embarked on a new journey with the Los Angeles Clippers. Ranked 44 in the Top 100, Harden has joined his fourth team in as many years. This chapter of his basketball odyssey promises new challenges and opportunities.
Jack Maloney discussed Harden's potential impact: "Harden's basketball odyssey took him to Los Angeles last season... Harden will need to take on a bigger scoring burden than he has in recent years in order for the Clippers to stay relevant in the Western Conference."
Paul George and Other Notable Veterans
Paul George's move to Philadelphia is another significant development in the NBA landscape. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan, 35, is ranked 53 in the Top 100, showcasing his sustained performance. Mike Conley, 36, plays for the Timberwolves and is ranked 85. As Jasmyn Wimbish noted, "Conley will enter the upcoming season as one of the oldest players in the league, but he's also still one of the most valuable veterans a young team -- like the Timberwolves -- could have."
Brook Lopez, ranked 88 at 36 years old, remains a sought-after player. Sam Quinn observed, "Everyone wants a Brook Lopez... there simply aren't other centers who take nothing off of the floor on either end while adding quite a bit on both."
Chris Paul, at 39, serves as a veteran mentor for the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, adding valuable experience to the young team. Lastly, Al Horford, 38, played a crucial role in Boston's championship run and continues to be a pivotal figure for the Celtics.
As the new season approaches, the contributions of these experienced players will undoubtedly be critical. Their performances not only inspire their teams but also captivate fans worldwide, proving that age is just a number when it comes to basketball excellence.